Kendall Fells, organizing director for Fight for $15, said Tuesday the protests will take place April 15 and are planned to include actions on about 170 college campuses, as well as cities around the country and abroad.

At an event announcing the actions in front of a McDonald’s in New York City’s Times Square, organizers said home health care aides, airport workers, adjunct professors, child care workers and Wal-Mart workers will be among those turning out in April.

Terrence Wise, a Burger King worker from Kansas City, Missouri, and a national leader for the Fight for $15 push, said more than 2,000 groups including Jobs With Justice and the Center for Popular Democracy will show their support as well.

“This will be the biggest mobilization America has seen in decades,” Wise said at the rally as pedestrians walked past on the busy street.

The plans are a continuation of a campaign that began in late 2012. The push is being spearheaded by the Service Employees International Union and has included demonstrations nationwide to build public support for raising pay for fast-food and other low-wage workers, although turnout has varied from city to city. Last May, the campaign reached the doorsteps of McDonald’s headquarters in Oak Brook, Illinois, where protesters were arrested after declining to leave the property ahead of the company’s annual meeting.

Fells, an SEIU employee, said April 15 was picked for the next day of actions because workers are fighting “for 15.”

“It’s a little play on words,” he said.

Fells noted that while the push began as a fast-food worker movement, it has morphed into a broader push for low-wage workers and is now shifting into a social justice movement with the involvement of “Black Lives Matter” activists joining in in the April protests. Still, he said McDonald’s Corp. remained a primary target.

“McDonald’s needs to come to the table because they could settle this issue,” he said.

In a statement, McDonald’s said it respects people’s right to peacefully protest, but added that the demonstrations over the past two years have been “organized rallies designed to garner media attention” and that “very few” McDonald’s workers have participated.

In addition to the ongoing demonstrations, organizers have been working on multiple fronts to make the legal case that McDonald’s Corp. should be held accountable for working conditions at its franchised restaurants. That finding is seen as critical in being able to negotiate with one entity on behalf of workers across the chain, rather than dealing with the thousands of franchisees who operate the majority of McDonald’s more than 14,000 U.S. restaurants.

McDonald’s and other fast-food chains have maintained that they’re not responsible for hiring and employment decisions at franchised locations.

One closely watched case addressing the matter began this week, when the National Labor Relations Board began hearings on complaints over alleged labor violations at McDonald’s restaurants. The board’s general counsel had said last year that McDonald’s could be named as a joint employer along with franchisees in the complaints.

The hearing is scheduled to resume May 26 and is set to be a lengthy legal battle. Whichever side loses is expected to appeal, with the possibility of the case eventually heading to the Supreme Court.

In a statement, McDonald’s has said the board’s decision to name McDonald’s as a joint employer “improperly strikes at the heart of the franchise system.”

“The SEIU put a target on McDonald’s back more than two years ago; the Board has now joined in taking aim, and has done so by managing the McDonald’s case in an unprecedented manner,” the statement said.

]]>http://fox11online.com/2015/03/31/fast-food-labor-organizers-plan-actions-for-april-15/feed/0Tue, 31 Mar 2015 19:11:08 +0000In this March 17, 2015 file photo, dozens of fast food workers and their supporters protest workplace conditions in front of a McDonald's restaurant, in New York. Fast-food labor organizers say they're expanding the scope of their campaign for $15 an hour and unionization, this time with a day of actions including college campuses and workers from other low-wage industries.wlukashleykasterGoogle, Microsoft battle drives down prices for PCs, tabletshttp://fox11online.com/2015/03/31/google-microsoft-battle-drives-down-prices-for-pcs-tablets-2/
http://fox11online.com/2015/03/31/google-microsoft-battle-drives-down-prices-for-pcs-tablets-2/#commentsTue, 31 Mar 2015 18:53:16 +0000http://fox11online.com/?p=114786]]>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Google is releasing its cheapest Chromebook laptops yet, two versions priced at $149 aimed at undercutting Microsoft’s Windows franchise and gaining ground in even more classrooms.

Various PC manufacturers have been working with Google to design lightweight laptops running on the Chrome operating system since 2011. The newest versions are made by Hisense and Haier. Hisense’s Chromebook can be ordered beginning Tuesday at Walmart.com and Haier’s version can be bought at Amazon.com.

Their arrival coincides with Microsoft’s rollout of a lower-priced Surface tablet in an effort to reach students and budget-conscious families. Pre-orders for that device began Tuesday, too.

As the prices for tablets and smartphones have been declining, it has forced on PC makers to lower their prices, said International Data Corp. analyst Jay Chou. The success of the Chromebook line is intensifying the PC pricing pressure.

“It has been good news for consumers, but not so good for vendors,” Chou said.

The cheaper version of the Surface Pro 3 sells for $499, compared with $799 to $1,949 for the higher-end models. The discounted version has a slightly smaller screen — 10.8 inches rather than 12 — a slower processor, and less flexible kickstand — just three angles rather than unlimited positions.

The Chromebook has served a dual purpose for Google. Like the company’s Android software for mobile devices, the Chrome system is set up so users will automatically begin using Google’s search engine and other services, such as Gmail and YouTube. Google has used the Chromebooks as a prod to bring down the prices of all PCs, something the company wanted to do because it has more opportunities to show the digital ads that bring in most of its revenue when more people can afford to buy an Internet-connected device.

“We cannot be happier that Microsoft is helping drive down the prices of PCs,” said Caesar Sengupta, Google’s vice president of product management for Chromebooks. “If Microsoft is reacting to (Chromebook’s low prices), that’s fantastic. We love it.”

Unlike most computers, Chromebooks don’t have a hard drive. Instead, they function as terminals dependent on an Internet connection to get most work done.

Despite those limitations, Chromebooks have been steadily gaining in popularity, particularly in schools, as more applications and services made available over Internet connections — a phenomenon known as “cloud computing” that has reduced the need for hard drives.

About 6 million Chromebooks were sold worldwide last year, more than doubling from 2.7 million in 2013, according to IDC. In contrast, sales in the overall PC market slipped 2 percent last year, marking the third consecutive annual decline. IDC is projecting 8 million Chromebooks will be sold this year.

Besides the $149 laptops, Google also is attacking Microsoft on other fronts. Later this spring, Google and Asus are releasing a hybrid Chromebook that can use used as either a laptop or tablet with a 10-inch screen. Called the Chromebook Flip, it will sell for $249.

In the summer, Asus and Google will start selling a new Chrome device that will provide people a cheaper way to upgrade an old PC. The device, called the Chromebit, is a stick loaded with an entire operating system that can be plugged into any HDMI port. The Chromebit’s price hasn’t been set, Google says it will cost less than $100.

Here’s what you need to know about the cheaper Surface Pro 3 and new Chromebooks:

PROS AND CONS OF THE SURFACE

Graphic artists, engineers and finance professionals needing to run complex software might still want the company’s higher-end Pro 3, said Dennis Meinhardt, director of program management for Surface. But the Surface 3 should be good for everyday tasks, he said, and brings the Pro 3’s premium feel to a device that will be affordable to more people.

The new Surface model is thinner and lighter, partly because it gets rid of the fan — similar to Apple’s new MacBook laptop. At 214 pixels per inch, the screen resolution is comparable to the Pro 3’s.

Battery life is promised at 10 hours for video playback. The Surface 3 runs the regular version of Windows 8.1, just like the Pro 3. In the past, Microsoft has used a lightweight version called RT in its cheaper tablets. The Surface 3 also has a USB port, a feature that distinguishes the Surface line from most rival tablets.

SIZING UP THE CHROMEBOOKS

Both the Hisense and Haier models have 11.6 inch screens, 2 gigabits of memory and run on Rockchip processors. The Hisense machine promises up to 8.5 hours of battery power per charge while Haier is touting up to 10 hours of power per charge on a battery that can be removed for easier replacement.

___

Jesdanun reported from New York.

]]>http://fox11online.com/2015/03/31/google-microsoft-battle-drives-down-prices-for-pcs-tablets-2/feed/0Tue, 31 Mar 2015 18:53:16 +0000This Monday, March 30, 2015 photo shows a Hisense Chrome laptop in San Francisco. Google and Microsoft are releasing cheaper laptops and tablets in an effort to reach students, budget-conscious families and overseas markets.wlukscotthurleyLambeau Field sales tax to end this fallhttp://fox11online.com/2015/03/31/lambeau-field-sales-tax-to-end-this-fall/
http://fox11online.com/2015/03/31/lambeau-field-sales-tax-to-end-this-fall/#commentsTue, 31 Mar 2015 18:07:30 +0000http://fox11online.com/?p=114762]]>GREEN BAY – Brown County’s half-percent sales tax to fund Lambeau Field renovations will end later this year.

The Green Bay/Brown County Professional Football Stadium District announced Tuesday that the tax would end no later than Sept. 30. For more than a decade, the district has used the tax to pay for the renovation of Lambeau Field and for stadium operations and maintenance. The tax currently brings in more than $20 million a year.

Reserve funds from the tax collection will be used to pay costs through Jan. 1, 2031, district leaders announced.

Hoskins wishes he could have shared his Uber experiences with Green Bay’s city council. It passed a resolution on March 3rd, aimed at putting the brakes on online ride-sharing companies.

The council hoped Uber would stop providing rides in the city while an ordinance was formed to regulate the company.

“They don’t understand about Uber, so how could you pass an ordinance that they know nothing about and they put a cease and desist order on that,” said Hoskins.

State legislators introduced a bill that would take precedent over any local ordinance, like one Green Bay is in the process of creating.

“Right now there is kind of a patchwork of ordinances being discussed across the state and it’s really not the most workable way to provide these types of services,” said State Rep. Tyler August, a Republican representing Lake Geneva.

Under the state proposal, online ride-sharing companies like Uber would need to obtain a $5,000 license from the state. The company or a third party would have to conduct criminal background checks on drivers. Either the company, driver, or combination of the two would have to maintain at least $1 million in liability insurance.

“Uber supports this bipartisan legislation and we look forward to the legislature’s swift consideration,” said Lauren Altmin, a spokesperson for Uber.

However, Uber competitors, the state’s taxicab owners association opposes the new bill

“We feel like the regulations that the local ordinances that take into account the local business patterns and the local needs are far more important,” said Paul Bittorf, a spokesperson for the Wisconsin Association of Taxicab Owners.

Green Bay is still planning to move forward with changes to its ordinance to include companies like Uber. A city attorney told me if the changes pass, Uber could start being fined $700 per ride it provides.

“It would be more make sure that whoever is picking you up, that they have a background check, it’s a safe vehicle and they have correct insurance,” said Chris Wery, a Green Bay alderman.

A Green Bay committee plans to take up the new ordinance in two weeks.

Uber drivers are still giving rides in Green Bay, despite the letter trying to stop them.

]]>http://fox11online.com/2015/03/30/wisconsin-lawmakers-introduce-online-ridesharing-regulations/feed/0Tue, 31 Mar 2015 02:30:20 +0000In this Wednesday, March 18, 2015, photo the Uber app displays on a smart phone cars available for a pick up in downtown Manhattan.wlukscotthurleyMining company withdraws Wisconsin applicationhttp://fox11online.com/2015/03/27/mining-company-withdraws-wisconsin-application/
http://fox11online.com/2015/03/27/mining-company-withdraws-wisconsin-application/#commentsFri, 27 Mar 2015 17:56:47 +0000http://fox11online.com/?p=113877]]>MADISON (AP) – The state Department of Natural Resources says a company that was looking to open a huge iron mine in northern Wisconsin has officially withdrawn its plans.

Gogebic Taconite was considering digging a 4½-mile long mine in the Penokee Hills just south of Lake Superior but announced last month it was closing its office in Hurley and future investment in the project wasn’t feasible.

DNR officials announced Friday the company has withdrawn its pre-application notice. They said the land around the site will now reopen to the public.

About 3,500 acres around the site is open to the public through the state’s managed forest program. Republican Gov. Scott Walker, however, signed a bill in 2013 that prohibited public access to 600-foot restricted zones around mining equipment and roads around the site.

]]>http://fox11online.com/2015/03/27/mining-company-withdraws-wisconsin-application/feed/0Fri, 27 Mar 2015 17:56:47 +0000A road on the site of Gogebic Taconite's proposed mine in northwestern Wisconsin.wlukscotthurleyMichigan family suing Wisconsin Dells resort over injuryhttp://fox11online.com/2015/03/27/michigan-family-suing-wisconsin-dells-resort-over-injury/
http://fox11online.com/2015/03/27/michigan-family-suing-wisconsin-dells-resort-over-injury/#commentsFri, 27 Mar 2015 13:19:59 +0000http://fox11online.com/?p=113822]]>WISCONSIN DELLS (AP) – A Wisconsin Dells resort is being sued by a Michigan family that claims a teenage boy was injured on a ride that the business knew was unsafe.

The lawsuit seeking damages was filed Wednesday in Sauk County Circuit Court on the teen’s behalf. The Wisconsin State Journal reports the lawsuit claims the boy was injured at the Kalahari resort in June 2012 on an indoor water slide that drops riders from a trap-door chamber into one of two looping slides.

The family’s attorney says the ride, known as the Sahara Sidewinders, imposed an unreasonable risk of injury to Kalahari’s guests. He adds the resort knew about the risk but took no safety precautions.

The lawsuit claims the teen suffered personal injury, pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.

They toured the expansion and renovation at the KI Convention Center. A ground breaking ceremony was held for the project back in December 2013.

The exterior of the KI Convention Center expansion and the future Hampton Inn in downtown Green Bay, March 26, 2015. (WLUK/Andrew LaCombe)

Project developers say the entire expansion will cost about $24 million. Green Bay’s redevelopment authority is taking loans to pay for most of the project, but it is getting some financial support from the Green Bay Packers and the Kress Family.

Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt says more naming opportunities are still available, and work on both the convention center and the Hampton Inn next door should be finished by August.

“As people come to experience Green Bay, no better place than here at the George Kress ballroom at the KI Convention Center, anchored by a Hyatt and the Hampton,” said Schmitt. “You’re going to be hearing about the Northland in less than a month.”

Schmitt says the expansion will bring $4 million of new spending to the area each year.

]]>http://fox11online.com/2015/03/26/renovation-work-continues-on-green-bay-convention-center/feed/0Fri, 27 Mar 2015 00:16:42 +0000A look at construction on the George F. Kress Ballroom at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay, March 26, 2015wlukandrewlacombeThe exterior of the KI Convention Center expansion and the future Hampton Inn in downtown Green Bay, March 26, 2015Wisconsin chamber of commerce backs eliminating taxhttp://fox11online.com/2015/03/26/wisconsin-chamber-of-commerce-backs-eliminating-tax/
http://fox11online.com/2015/03/26/wisconsin-chamber-of-commerce-backs-eliminating-tax/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2015 13:50:04 +0000http://fox11online.com/?p=113543]]>MADISON (AP) – Wisconsin’s chamber of commerce is backing a Republican plan in the state Legislature to repeal the personal property tax on business equipment.

The proposal is meeting resistance because homeowners would have to make up for the lost revenue, which comes to about $80 a year for the owner of a typical home.

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce lobbyist Scott Manley said in a statement Thursday that the personal property tax on business equipment is antiquated and needs to be eliminated. He says doing that will make the state more competitive.

Real estate agents and local government officials are urging rejection of the idea, saying the shift in the tax burden is unacceptable.

The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly applications for jobless aid fell 9,000 to a seasonally adjusted 282,000. The decrease suggests that a recent slowdown in manufacturing, housing starts and retail sales have not trickled into the job market, a possible indication that economic growth will rebound after a harsh winter.

The four-week average, a less volatile measure, tumbled 7,750 to 297,000. Over the past 12 months, the average has dipped roughly 7 percent.

Applications are a proxy for layoffs. The relatively low average shows that employers are holding onto workers and may increase hiring. Applications below 300,000 are generally consistent with solid monthly job gains.

The economy has been struck by some setbacks during a frigid February. Factories cranked out fewer long-lasting goods, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday. Builders broke ground on fewer homes last month, while retail spending has fallen.

Those reports indicate that growth will be dramatically lower than its annual average of 2.2 percent during the final three months of last year, which was already a decrease from growth averaging more than 4 percent in the middle of 2014.

The Atlanta Federal Reserve forecasts that first-quarter growth will be at an annualized rate of 0.2 percent. Private firm Macroeconomic Advisers estimated somewhat more optimistically on Tuesday growth of 1.4 percent.

Still, as layoffs have dipped, job growth has soared. In each of the past 12 months, employers have added at least 200,000 jobs. The gains totaled 295,000 in February.

The job growth has slashed the unemployment rate to 5.5 percent from 6.7 percent a year ago.

However, wages have yet to rise significantly, limiting the benefits to the overall economy from the additional jobs. Average hourly wages have climbed just 2 percent over the past 12 months.

]]>http://fox11online.com/2015/03/26/fewer-americans-filed-for-unemployment-benefits-last-week/feed/0Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:25:25 +0000In this Jan. 29, 2015 photo, people fill out applications during a public safety job fair at City Hall in Saginaw, Mich.wlukscotthurleyCredit unions in Oshkosh, Two Rivers to mergehttp://fox11online.com/2015/03/25/credit-unions-in-oshkosh-two-rivers-to-merge/
http://fox11online.com/2015/03/25/credit-unions-in-oshkosh-two-rivers-to-merge/#commentsWed, 25 Mar 2015 18:36:33 +0000http://fox11online.com/?p=113315]]>OSHKOSH – An Oshkosh-based credit union says it will merge with a Two Rivers institution.

Verve, a Credit Union, plans to merge with Two Rivers Community Credit Union sometime at the end of this year. TRCCU members voted 46-0 in favor of the merger.

“More than just offering enhanced products and services, Verve has the culture—the enthusiasm and drive—that we’re looking for,” TRCCU president Fran Hoznik said in a news release.

Verve has 47,000 members, 10 locations and $580 million in assets. TRCCU has 700 members, one location and $7 million in assets.

For Verve, the merger comes on the heels of several other mergers and a name change. Last year, the credit union, then known as CitizensFirst, merged with Neenah-based Lakeview and Calumet County-based Best Advantage. Earlier this year, plans to merge with Community Credit Union in La Crosse were announced.

]]>http://fox11online.com/2015/03/25/credit-unions-in-oshkosh-two-rivers-to-merge/feed/0Wed, 25 Mar 2015 18:36:33 +0000Wallet with cash, moneywlukscotthurleyUnemployment up in most Wisconsin cities, countieshttp://fox11online.com/2015/03/25/unemployment-up-in-most-wisconsin-cities-counties/
http://fox11online.com/2015/03/25/unemployment-up-in-most-wisconsin-cities-counties/#commentsWed, 25 Mar 2015 17:58:07 +0000http://fox11online.com/?p=113301]]>MADISON (AP) – Unemployment is up in most major Wisconsin cities and counties between January and February.

The state Department of Workforce Development reported Wednesday that preliminary unemployment rates increased in 20 of the 32 largest cities and in 52 of 72 counties. The department says it is not unusual to see an increase in the local unemployment rates in the winter months because the numbers are not adjusted for seasonal variances.

Last year between January and February nearly all cities and counties saw a spike in unemployment rates as well.

Wisconsin’s statewide unemployment rate was 4.8 percent in February, lower than the national average of 5.5 percent and the lowest it’s been in Wisconsin since July 2008.

Racine had the highest unemployment rate for a city in February at 7.9 percent.

Rep. Adam Neylon, of Pewaukee, said at a public hearing Wednesday that Wisconsin could embrace drones for commercial use. But first, he says, lawmakers need to consider regulating use of the devices.

The Federal Aviation Administration last year began granting permits on a case-by-case basis to companies that want to use drones. Under streamlined rules the FAA will grant blanket flying permission to applicants with drones that meet and fly under certain criteria, which means Wisconsin companies could use drones.

Experts Wednesday say with proper safety regulation, drones could benefit many state industries.

]]>http://fox11online.com/2015/03/25/wisconsin-lawmakers-discuss-regulation-of-drones/feed/0Wed, 25 Mar 2015 16:26:20 +0000NOT A MILITARY DRONE. An unmanned flying drone is demonstrated to farmers at the Partners in Progress show in Oshkosh, March 12, 2014.wlukscotthurleyGM recalls Chevy Malibus to fix sunroof control issuehttp://fox11online.com/2015/03/24/gm-recalls-chevy-malibus-to-fix-sunroof-control-issue/
http://fox11online.com/2015/03/24/gm-recalls-chevy-malibus-to-fix-sunroof-control-issue/#commentsTue, 24 Mar 2015 14:50:24 +0000http://fox11online.com/?p=112862]]>DETROIT (AP) – General Motors is recalling nearly 92,000 Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedans to fix a problem with the power sunroof controls.

The recall covers cars from the 2013 through 2015 model years. The automaker says the sunroofs can close inadvertently even if the roof-mounted switches are barely touched. The switches can be activated with less force than allowed under federal safety standards.

GM says it doesn’t know of any injuries caused by the problem, and it hasn’t received any customer complaints.

It’s the same problem that caused the recall of about 67,000 Cadillac ATS small sports sedans last month.

Dealers will recalibrate the sunroof to remove the one-touch open-and-close feature in certain switch positions, and will reprogram the control module.

Most of the recalled cars are in the U.S. and Canada.

]]>http://fox11online.com/2015/03/24/gm-recalls-chevy-malibus-to-fix-sunroof-control-issue/feed/0Tue, 24 Mar 2015 15:16:14 +0000In this May 31, 2013 file photo, the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan is unveiled on Belle Isle in Detroit.wlukscotthurleyGOP proposal eliminates business equipment taxhttp://fox11online.com/2015/03/24/gop-proposal-eliminates-business-equipment-tax/
http://fox11online.com/2015/03/24/gop-proposal-eliminates-business-equipment-tax/#commentsTue, 24 Mar 2015 13:25:51 +0000http://fox11online.com/?p=112829]]>MADISON (AP) – Opponents of a Republican proposal to eliminate the tax on business equipment say Wisconsin homeowners would see their property taxes increase to make up for the lost tax revenue.

Proponents say the bill would spur business growth and help create jobs. The bill’s co-sponsor, Rep. Robert Kulp, says the equipment tax is a burden on some businesses which need to keep an extra set of books to track taxable property.

An analysis from the bipartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau shows taxes on an average home would increase 2.7 percent, or $80 annually to make up for the lost revenue while keeping the current level of services. Overall, Wisconsin homeowners would see property taxes increase by $270 million a year.

The State Journal says real estate agents and local government officials say the shift in the tax burden is unacceptable.

The League of Women Voters held a public forum to talk about projects such as a possible new library and exhibition center.

Mayor Tim Hanna gave us an update Monday on the city’s plans to build a new $37 million library. An original cost estimate for the building was $42 million.

“We are just about to sit down with the two property owners on the preferred site to see if we can some to an agreement on the purchase of that site – and we’ll see,” he explained.

The new library would be build on the Fox River Bluffs, where there are already a church and banquet hall.

Architect Curtis Biggar told us at Monday’s forum the library should stay where it is.

“I’m concerned about the lack of information to the public. I’ve prepared a $17 million alternative to remodel this building and I’ve received a letter from the library board that they will not even consider unsolicited ideas,” said Biggar.

Mayor Hanna also talked with us about the status of plans for a $27.5 million Fox Cities Exhibition Center. The city council recently approved a purchase agreement to buy land from Outagamie County for $2 million for the center.

“Discussing with the hotel about a management agreement to manage the facility and assume the risks of the operations,” said Hanna.

Some in the crowd told us off-camera they don’t think Appleton will draw much exhibition traffic.

However, Hanna said, it’s time to take some steps like building the library and exhibition center to keep the city attractive to businesses and people.

“The big picture is if we’re not discussing these things and trying to find ways to move forward then we’re falling behind,” said Hanna.

The city leaders also discussed a $68,000 downtown parking study.

“Looks at parking as a full system using technology, access and how we zone different areas of the district,” said Jennifer Stephany with Appleton Downtown Incorporated.

The study recommended changes like taking down two old parking ramps, building a new ramp and making ramps credit card accessible. These are all changes the city council would ultimately need to approve.

The city leaders also talked about the downtown YMCA’s renovation plans.

No NFL games will be blocked from local television next season, the league said Monday at the owners’ meetings. The teams voted for a one-year suspension of the long-standing blackout policy for the preseason and regular season. There were no blackouts last season, because the minimum number of tickets was sold for every game, and the league had only two blackouts in 2013.

Still, the experiment is a huge step for the NFL, whose blackout policy dates back decades. In the 1970s, half of NFL games were blocked from local TV because the games did not sell enough tickets. Some teams – Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Oakland, St. Louis and San Diego – have struggled to avoid blackouts, and the league is taking a bit of a gamble for 2015.

The policy stipulates that a home game must be sold out 72 hours in advance of kickoff in order to be televised locally. Often, that deadline is extended to ensure sellouts if a club believes it can meet the criteria for lifting the blackout.

The league’s definition of a full house is not selling every seat but a large percentage of them, depending on the venue. The policy does not apply to suites or club seats.

Monday’s move was met with immediate approval by one of the sponsors of legislation to eliminate the blackout permanently.

“This decision to suspend the blackout policy for the upcoming NFL season is a victory for the millions of sports fans and consumers across the country,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), “and it brings us one step closer to eliminating this anti-fan measure once and for all. This antiquated, anti-consumer rule has for too long served only to protect the NFL’s bottom line at the expense of sports fans.

“I urge the FCC to take action to permanently remove the rule so that sports fans have the opportunity to cheer on their favorite teams, regardless of where they are watching.”

Last September, the FCC repealed its sport blackout rules, denying reinforcement of the league’s blackout policy. But the ruling did not affect the NFL’s ability to maintain the blackout policy through existing broadcast contracts.

Blackouts have been a part of the NFL since the 1950s, when team owners believed showing local games would damage attendance. In 1973, the current league policy was put into action.

The league said it will evaluate the impact of the suspension after the season.

“The blackout issue has been one of those seen as a negative about the league,” said Marc Ganis, president of Chicago-based consulting firm SportsCorp. “The FCC says there shouldn’t be blackouts and the league says it would affect attendance. This is the perfect time, with no blackouts from last year, to test whether a no-blackout rule adversely affects the attendance at games.”

NFL blackouts have declined dramatically in recent years, dipping to 40 percent in the 1980s, 31 percent in the 1990s, 8 percent in the 2000s, and 5 percent in this decade, according to league figures.

Part of that decrease is due to the league redefining what is a sellout, lowering the required number of tickets sold.

NBC and ESPN noted that their prime-time games have not been subjected to blackouts and wouldn’t likely be affected by eliminating them. The Sunday afternoon games are more vulnerable; neither Fox nor CBS immediately responded to an email request for comment.

The NFL also announced it will stream the Oct. 25 game in London between Buffalo and Jacksonville on its website for free globally. The experiment, which will start at 9:30 a.m. ET, means the game won’t be shown on television outside of the local teams’ markets.

“That’s a more significant move for the future than anything on blackouts,” Ganis said, noting that live streaming of games would open up other avenues of revenue for a league that already is worth about $12 billion.